Solid start for new boy Dom

New recruit Dominic Collins has made an impressive start to his AFC Fylde career playing a key role in the club’s 100% record in pre-season.

Back-to-back wins over League One opponents Fleetwood Town and Rochdale has been a solid start for the club in preparation for the 2015-16 National League North season.

The 24-year-old defender has played in the Conference Premier for the past three seasons and is keen to get back there again with the Coasters after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with a further option.

He began his career with Preston North End and had spells with Crawley Town, Chester FC and Hereford United before joining Southport.

Collins said: ‘I’m very optimistic about our chances this season and the boss made it clear from day one what he wanted to do.

“Obviously I’m a local lad, and with the potential the club has got, it was an easy choice to come here. We’ve had a good time getting back into it and all the lads have come back fit and hopefully we can kick on with the rest of the pre-season games.

“The ambition of the club really helped me to decide that I want to be here. Southport were a good side but never really had intentions of getting into the Football League and we want to do that here and I want to be a part of that.

“I spoke to the manager and he outlined his visions and the ambition here is the same as my ambition. I want to play for a winning side and this side want to win as often as possible.

“I already knew a few of the lads before I came.

“I’ve played with Adam Sumner at Northwich as well as knowing Ben Hinchliffe and Richie Allen too.

“When you join a new team, it’s like you’re going back to school with first day nerves, but because I know a few of the lads it’s been fine. I can’t wait to get started in the league matches.”

AFC Fylde’s pre-season goes on the road this weekend away to Airbus UK.